Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SQL Server Compact Edition) is designed for developers who need light weight, in process relational database solution for their applications that can be developed and deployed on desktop as well as on mobile devices. SQL Server Compact Edition Runtime can be used to develop and deploy applications on desktop.

SQL Server Compact Edition is a powerful, yet lightweight relational database engine that makes it easy to develop desktop applications by supporting familiar Structured Query Language (SQL) syntax and providing a development model and API consistent with SQL Server. When compared to its previous release, SQL Server Mobile, SQL Server Compact Edition includes new features like |DataDirectory| and ClickOnce support for ease of deployment (Please see SQL Server Compact Edition Readme)

To install the localized version of SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SQLServerCE31-[LN].msi), you must install the English version (SQLServerCE31-EN.msi) first, and then install the localized version. Note that [LN] represents the localized language.

SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition includes a Microsoft Windows Installer (.msi) file. The .msi file installs redistributable components to a specific location on the destination computer. To ensure serviceability and technical support, use the .msi file to deliver software components. Please see Redist.txt included in the package for component information.

SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition can be installed by running the installer - SQLServerCE31-EN.msi. Installing SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition by running SQLServerCE31-EN.msi installs the provider (System.Data.SqlServerCe.dll) in the GAC (global assembly cache) and registers the OLEDB provider (sqlceoledb30.dll). Doing this ensures that the components can be serviced in future by Microsoft Update. Administrator privileges are required on the machine for installing SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition. Independent Software Vendors and application developers redistributing SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition components or DLL’s as part of their application will need to take care of the serviceability of SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition components. Microsoft Update can only service SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition components that are deployed by using the installer - SQLServerCE31-EN.msi.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express is a free, integrated environment for accessing, configuring, managing, administering, and developing all components of SQL Server, as well as combining a broad group of graphical tools and rich script editors that provide access to SQL Server to developers and administrators of all skill levels.

Service Pack 2, the latest service pack for both Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, supports new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards, includes all of the updates that have been delivered since SP1, and simplifies deployment, for consumers, developers, and IT professionals.